A superbly taken Chen Tao free kick helped the Chinese Olympic team defeat Argentina 1-0 in their second group match in the Toulon Cup yesterday in France.

Argentina started strongly and pegged back China in the first 10 minutes with their speed and skill. But towards the middle of the first half China began to find their rhythm. The best chance of the first period fell to Mao Jianqing when he received an accurate cross from teammate Cui Peng but could manage only a feeble shot which was cleared by the defenders.

Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei was at his alert best when he was tested in a goalmouth melee. The only goal of the match came in first half stoppage time when Chen curled in a free kick.

China had drawn 0-0 with the Czech Republic in the opening game and are now leading the group with four points. They next meet Portugal on May 20.

In the last edition of the Toulon Cup, China had defeated Brazil 1-0 in the third-fourth place playoff.

(AFC via CRI May 18, 2006)